Hava Beach
The exact «address» of Hawah Beach: India, the state of Kerala, the village of Kovalam. It is one of the famous sandy beaches stretched in a chain along the ocean coast. Kerala compares favourably with other regions of India: it is one of the country’s most socially developed states, with the highest level of literacy, and the streets and public places here are noticeably cleaner than in many other regions.
«Rocks, sand, waves, fishermen»
Hawah Beach (Hawah, sometimes called Eve’s Beach) is covered with clean fine sand of every shade of yellow — from snow-white to almost black. On both sides it is enclosed by rocky headlands that somewhat soften the fury of the ocean waves. One traveller described Hawah Beach thus: «Rocks, sand, waves, fishermen». And it really is a favourite fishing spot of Indian fishermen.
Every morning at dawn and evening at sunset, hundreds of traditional boats set out for the treasures of the sea. Right on the shore you can buy the fresh catch and ask for it to be cooked before your eyes. Locals like to come here at sunset to admire an extraordinarily beautiful spectacle — the sun sinking into the ocean.
Nearby is another popular recreation spot — Lighthouse Beach, famous for its lighthouse. About sixteen kilometres to the north spreads the capital of Kerala — Trivandrum. Those who want not only to bask on the soft sand but also to see the life of India in all its splendour can easily reach the historical districts of the city and admire the magnificent architecture of the temples and palaces. Lovers of active recreation will be pleased by the catamaran and kayak rental points: this is a very good place for surfing, water-skiing and snorkelling (swimming with a mask and snorkel).
A long chain of hotels, oriented mainly at visitors, stretches along the coast — which means the staff have at least a minimal command of English. The restaurants have food familiar to Europeans, and for those confident in their abilities — exotic dishes of the local cuisine. Small hotels are often decorated in the national style, and cosy bungalows hiding in the shade of the palms only add colour to the beach.
Photos of Hawah Beach
Holiday + Ayurveda
All the hotels of Kerala have their own Ayurvedic centres, where you can take a course of cosmetic or wellness procedures. In addition, many small massage rooms, where sometimes only one master works, are scattered around the shopping area, the streets of the village and along the shoreline. Sessions are often conducted right on the beach, so a seaside holiday is easy to combine with pleasant relaxing procedures.
You should not refuse a master’s services just because of unremarkable surroundings or a neglected room: thanks to their vast experience such people are sometimes able to work real wonders. The only thing that really deserves attention is the cleanliness of the table surface and of the masseur’s hands.
If there is damage to the skin, small wounds or rashes, any «contact» procedures had better be postponed for a while.
Climate, weather and a good time for a holiday
The narrow strip of magnificent beaches is on one side washed by the ocean and on the other bordered by the mountain range of the Western Ghats. There is none of the exhausting heat that residents of northern countries find hard to bear.
During the monsoon season, storms, sometimes turning into hurricanes, come down on the coast. Huge waves scare off even the most desperate swimmers, and the incessant rains dash any hope of a beach holiday. Usually people try to time their trip to the winter season — from late autumn to early spring. The best weather is in December and January, while June is famous for pouring rains and storms.
Near the beaches of Kovalam are located clinics of Ayurveda in Kerala — a holiday on the coast can be combined with a wellness course.
